Marijuana Side Effects

Marijuana is derived from the extract of hemp plant. Although the plant has several chemicals, the key ingredient that acts as the main mind altering substance is known as “delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol” or THC. The strength of the herb is determined by the concentration of THC present in the grass. The amount of THC can vary due to many reasons including the plant type, soil, weather, and time of harvest. Marijuana is usually smoked either in a pipe or water pipe. The weed is also used by rolling loosely in cigarettes known as “joints” where the tobacco of the cigarette is replaced by the grass. Marijuana has a mild hallucinogenic property and the effect can be felt within a few minutes and peak in 10 to 30 minutes. However, the drug can have serious side effects. Some of the most common side effects of marijuana include dry mouth, increased heart rate, impaired coordination and balance, and diminished short term memory. To know more on side effects of marijuana, read through this article.

Side Effects Of Marijuana

• Smoking marijuana can have some serious side effects including lung cancer. Marijuana also increases the likelihood for accidents. Scientific studies have shown that 6 to 11 percent of fatal accidents are contributed by marijuana side effects.
• Marijuana induces appetite, and the user ends up eating more. Sedentary lifestyle and increased eating habit may lead to weight gain.
• Marijuana is most often smoked but can be eaten or steeped in tea to drink. When eaten in large quantities, marijuana toxins can induce toxic psychosis including hallucinations, delusions, and a loss of self identification.
• Other side effects of smoking marijuana include physical problems like breathing difficulties and deteriorating physical abilities.
• Regular smoking of marijuana induces higher risk of lung cancer, heart attacks, and strokes.
• When the drug is used regularly, the drug can have a lethal effect on the brain. The natural chemical balance of the brain is disrupted affecting the pleasure centers and regulatory systems.
• Marijuana also distorts the ability to learn, remember and adapt quickly to changes
• Depression is another common side effect closely associated with marijuana usage.
• The drug creates an addiction. More amount of marijuana is required to give the same euphoric feeling if it is abused for a long time. The addiction is a progressive disease and when the drug is made unavailable, obsessive thoughts take over the mind.
• Addiction is identified as a compulsive, uncontrollable craving for the drug even with pending negative consequences.
• Users often tend to refrain themselves from smoking for an important event like a job interview, but end up taking it just before the event. This happens when the user is completely taken over by the addiction of the drug.

• Impaired perception
• Diminished short-term memory
• Loss of concentration and coordination
• Impaired judgment
• Increased risk of accidents
• Loss of motivation
• Diminished inhibitions
• Increased heart rate
• Anxiety, panic attacks, and paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Damage to the respiratory, reproductive, and immune systems
• Increased risk of cancer
• Psychological dependency

Although marijuana can give a sense of pleasure for a few minutes, but the side effects of marijuana are often severe and can be life threatening at times.